Doyin Sonibare, 28, from London , will give a special tribute
A star of the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme who was playing a key role in the memorial service on Tuesday hailed the “amazing impact” of Prince Philip’s legacy on millions of young people.
Doyin Sonibare, from Barking, was delivering a special tribute in Westminster Abbey in front of senior British and foreign royals, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and a congregation of 1,800 people.
The 28-year-old achieved her bronze, silver and gold awards in the duke’s youth adventure scheme, which he had set up more than 60 years ago.
Ms Sonibare, who is now an account executive and studying for a PhD in sickle cell research and health inequalities, said the skills she gained from taking part in the award scheme helped her secure her first job when she was 18.
She added: “It’s a huge honour to speak at today’s service and reflect on the amazing impact the duke’s legacy has had on me and millions of others — and will go on having for future generations.
“When I look back at the last decade, I’ve achieved so much more than I thought I could — and it’s down to my DofE and the opportunity it gave me.
“At times like these, with so much uncertainty and upheaval, it’s so important all young people get opportunities like this, so they have every chance to fulfil their potential too.”
Nine recent gold award holders — dressed in bright purple DofE jackets — were lining the abbey steps as guests arrived, an element of Philip’s original funeral plan that was unable to go ahead at the time because of Covid restrictions.
Ruth Marvel, chief executive of the award scheme, said: “The duke founded the DofE because he knew that, with the right opportunities, young people’s potential is limitless.
“Six decades on, the hundreds of thousands of young people doing their DofE continue to prove him right every day — discovering new talents and making a positive difference in communities all over the UK.”
Nearly seven million youngsters have joined the scheme, with three million achieving awards.
